Planning Commission mulls developments on Lorain's west side

LORAIN — Plans for townhomes on Lorain's west side are on hold for the next month while developers address stormwater concerns. Polaris Engineering submitted a preliminary development plan for 57 duplexes across about 28 acres of the Planned Unit Development, or PUD-zoned, district. Areas zoned for PUD development have more flexible setback and density standards than other residential zoning districts, allowing for the duplexes to accommodate 114 units and have smaller setbacks from one another than under other zoning categories. The promised build would be single-story properties nestled between the existing Village at Lighthouse Point units and the nearby Walmart and Kohl's. Stormwater Manager Kathryn Golden noted no matter the property's zoning, its stormwater management — like catch or detention basins — would be required to meet all state and local standards. The development proposes discharging its stormwater from a central catch basin out to the northwest of the property underneath a more than 3-acre plot of land planned to be a dog park. Denver Casto, who lives nearby on Jaeger Road, expressed concerns about the traffic the additional development could bring to the area, and reminded Planning Commission members the area's initial development plans prior to those submitted for Wednesday's meeting called for an emergency gated entrance and exit at Kneirim Drive for the Lighthouse Point subdivision, as well as another roadway connecting into Light House Commons — rather than the only ingress and egress being Jaeger Road. Casto was also concerned with the drainage system being able to absorb the additional homes. He said he was not necessarily against the area being developed, but wanted it to be done in a way that would not put strain on existing residents. The matter was held in abeyance for a month until the Planning Commission could get more information on the issues raised at Wednesday's meeting. Members did pass the final development plan for Silver Hills apartments at Kolbe Road and West Erie Avenue. The 172 luxury units split between seven, three-story buildings include a mix of larger townhomes and smaller apartments, a clubhouse, pool and covered parking. The property was first proposed in 2023. With Wednesday's approval, the development can move forward with permitting and building in the coming months. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.